Musée national de l'histoire de l'Immigration - Palais de la Porte Dorée

Adjacent to the Bois de Vincennes, the Palais de la Porte Dorée is eye-catching. Indeed, the massive building with its clean, geometric lines in an Art Deco style is a classified historical monument. Constructed in 1931 for the Paris Colonial Exhibition, the space was originally dedicated to the arts of Africa and Oceania; today it is entirely devoted to the cultures and history of immigration in France.

A Collective History

Inside, the impressive structure is at the service of an educational programme that blends history with art. The new permanent exhibition at the Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration is larger than its predecessor and more accessible, especially to young visitors. Spread over 1800 m², it unfolds a chronological, thematic and sensitive story in eleven key dates, from 1685 to the present day, with a final section devoted to contemporary issues.
Combining archive documents, photographs, paintings, sculptures, posters, life stories, contemporary artistic creations and digital mediation tools for everyone, the new exhibition provides visitors with the essential elements they need to learn about the history of immigration and understand that it is an indivisible part of the French history.

Download the Palais de la Porte Dorée's official mobile application free of charge and let it guide you through the building!

The Journey Doesn’t Stop There

The visit also continues outdoors. A monumental, intricate bas-relief by Alfred Janniot lauding colonialism’s treasures covers the main façade of the building. At your feet lies a garden designed by the artist-botanist Liliana Motta and featuring 130 different plant species from around the world.

On the same site, take the time to marvel at the fish, sharks, piranhas and crocodiles housed in the historic Aquarium tropical de la Porte Dorée. Fun for all the family. A few steps away, the statue of Athena by Léon Drivier and the striking fountain by Louis Madeline impose their architectural splendour over the historic Édouard-Renard square.

Your visit of the museums and cultural sites in Paris Region continues!